TELEPHONES OF YESTERYEAR

The rapid pace at which telephones have progressed is startling but it means there is great scope for the collector, dealer and investor alike. The earliest telephones were large, elaborate in design and very scarce today as few have survived the passing of time. The classic ‘skeleton’ type of handset phone was introduced in 1895 and remained in production for over thirty years, a concept which would be unheard of today. There was a hand generator on the side and two bells incorporated into the base. When examples appear at auction they can fetch over £500.

Perhaps the most iconic type of antique telephone to us is the candlestick type. Sometimes also referred to as the ‘daffodil’ or ‘tulip’ telephone on account of the shape of the mouthpiece. Introduced in Britain in the early 1900’s it was in use well into the 1950’s. Early examples were often in brass with the electrical connections exposed with no dial. To make a call you would simply pick up the receiver which would put you to an operator who would connect you. The design became much more standardised by the 1920’s and dials were fitted as in the GPO example illustrated, (sold for £220). However, a separate bell box has to be used as there was no room for a bell within the phone itself.

The telephone as we know it really came to fruition in the late 1920’s when the first all bakelite Art Deco handset phone were introduced by the GPO. Although the early examples had no dial, there was provision available on the front. Initially these could only be hired in black, but during the 1930’s colours such as ivory, red and green were an option at an additional price. The GPO would also offer to pain the phone to a client’s desired colour as long as the client paid to have it put back to black. Values for these pyramid phones vary greatly – from £40-50 for a standard example to well into the hundred of pounds for a good coloured example, (fakes do exist).

During the late 1930’s, an all-bakelite phone which had dial, bellset and sometimes a drawer (cheese tray) below for numbers was introduced and can be seen in many WWII films and period dramas. Again these models were offered in various colours such as the ivory example illustrated.

As the decades progressed and more people had telephones, modern plastics were used. The first mobile phones were of course pioneered in the 1980’s with a separate battery pack, a far cry from the compact devices we use today. It remains to be seen what future developments there will be in the next ten years or so. Could it mean that the mobile phones of today will become collectors’ items in a few years?

Q&A

Q. We are in the process of clearing my father’s house out and we came across this old telephone. He used it frequently and we have tested it and it still works! I have heard that old telephones can be collectors’ items but was wondering if you could tell me something about this one and the value if any?

A. The black bakelite phone you have discovered is the typical variety issued by the GPO in this country throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s, (although they were in use well into the 1960’s when modern plastic examples were the norm). There are many different varieties of this phone and yours has the added bonus of a bell on/off facility. It also has the desirable ‘cheese tray’ below for storing useful numbers. Having the original braided flex is a nice touch too and adds to the value which would be in the £50-70 region. The most desirable examples are the coloured versions, red and green being the most sought after as not many have survived. The fact that these phones work today is a testament to their robust design and engineering.

Q. I bought these two old wall phones at a car boot recently and was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about them. I paid £5.

A. I think you have had a good buy. They would make a good feature in any house simply for decoration and would certainly be a talking point for visitors! They were originally intended for internal use, hence no dial just buttons – possibly in a large county house or commercial premises. The handsets are black bakelite and the boxes containing the bells wooden. They date from the interwar period. Post WWII examples tend to be all-bakelite. I could see them fetching £30-50 in a specialist auction for scientific instruments.

Complimentary appraisals of all antiques and collectables are held at the Burton and Lichfield Salerooms and offices throughout the Midlands. Phone 01283 511224 or 01543 251081 for your nearest point of contact.